Fed Up of Low Support and No Coverage? These Are the 9 Best Longline Bras for Hold and Style
According to Health Editors and fitness experts.
As someone who isn’t much a fan of wearing sports bras, longline sports bras are the perfect compromise - because they feel like a comfy crop top, but with the added support of a bra. It’s the best of both worlds when it comes to fitness clothing essentials, in my opinion.
Choosing the right sports bra is an important step in picking out your gym wear. Do you practise a lot of running and HIIT (in which case you’ll need one of the best high impact sports bras), or is your priority picking out one of the best sports bras for big boobs?
You need to think about performance, yes, but comfort is also key when it comes to fit kit you’ll reach for again and again, and that’s where the best longline sports bras come in. With so many options out there, why do I love longline sports bras in particular? Well, the added coverage provided by their longer length means they can be worn alone with your gym leggings or running shorts without feeling too exposed. While workout tops are great, often during sweaty workouts the last thing I want is to add extra layers to my workout kit.
I love low-impact workouts like Pilates, yoga and strength training, while Ally is a multi-marathon runner. Junior Shopping Editor, Amelia Yeomans, has also weighed in with her top picks for the gym floor and Reformer classes. Together, we’ve tried plenty of athleisure in the name of journalism, so are pretty well-placed to review the best longline sports bras. I’ve also reached out to Paola di Lanzo, OG wellness guru and founder of Paola's Body Barre, for her top longline sports bra picks - direct from a fitness expert.
Best longline bras: Quick shopping links
- Best overall: £30 at Adanola
- Most stylish: £75 at Vuori
- Most affordable: £19.99 at H&M
- Most sculpting: £65 at Vuori
- Best for running: £75 at ON
What did we look for when deciding on the best longline sports bras?
All the products we feature here on the MC UK Health and Fitness page goes through a pretty scrupulous testing process. We wouldn’t feature anything we haven’t tried and tested at least a few times, ensuring that they don’t just look good but actually perform too. There are certain things we think make these longline sports bras a cut above the rest…
- Support - does it hold everything in place without cutting off our circulation?
- Comfort - does it dig in or sit at a comfortable place?
- Fit - are there a wide range of options available for all breast sizes and shapes?
- Material - is it sweat-wicking? Lightweight? Breathable? Will the fabric hold its own or pile over time?
- Price - would we get our cost per wear?
9 best longline sports bras: as tested by team MCUK
1. Best longline sports bra all round
When it comes to affordable, fashion-forward and high-performance workout gear, you can’t really get better than Adanola’s offering, and the brand’s bestselling Ultimate Tank bra is no exception. With removable cups, you can adjust it to your liking - plus the lightweight fabric means it can be layered under a tee if needed.
"This longline tank from Adanola has a supportive bra layer, which makes it my go-to bra for pretty much any workout - I’m talking strength training, long runs and low-impact sports like Pilates. It sweat-wicks well, and I like that it's supportive, flattering, and it’s even versatile enough to be worn as daywear." - Ally Head, Senior Health Editor
2. Best affordable longline sports bra
“One of my all-time favourite longline sports bras is from H&M Move, and while the design I’ve worn for years has now sadly been discontinued, I've recently discovered this similar SoftMove design.
This longline sports bra sits a good few inches below my bust, meaning it hugs my waist comfortably, and it has a medium support, which holds everything in surprisingly well, considering the straps aren't adjustable. The quality is amazing for the under-£20 price, and I already have my eye on the other colours as well as the matching yoga flares (I do love a matching gym set).” - Valeza Bakolli, Junior Shopping Editor
3. Best longline sports bra for Pilates
"This bra has marshmallowy-soft foam cups and beautiful buttery fabric. I love the look and cut and the added bonus that the fabric is quick-drying. With double straps, it provides a good amount of support over the shoulders for B/C cups.
As I constantly live in my fitness gear, I always opt for a longline support bra, mainly for the comfort factor. I need to be supported and comfortable whilst teaching my PBB classes and whilst running between studios and meetings." - Paola di Lanzo, founder of Paola's Body Barre.
4. Most fashion-forward longline sports bra
“This sports bra from Sweaty Betty hits the sweet spot between chic design and a surprising amount of support. I'm a B/C cup and felt the bra worked really well to hold everything in place for low, medium and high impact workouts. Trust me - I gave it a thorough test over a hike, yoga and a run and felt like it suited all three sports well. I’m also obsessed with the wavy-edged trim (which doesn’t ride up thanks to its rubberised underside). I get compliments on this bra all the time.” - Ally Head, Senior Health Editor
5. Most sculpting longline sports bra
“This sports bra hugs me in comfortably and securely, stopping at the narrowest point of my waist for an extremely flattering fit. The fitted design almost feels like shapewear - but not in a restrictive way. With four colours on offer, there are several stylish options too. The material is buttery soft and moves flexibly to support my workouts. One thing I will mention is that it’s not the most sweat-wicking and has a light support, so is probably better suited to low-impact exercises. However, I also love wearing it when lounging as a top when I don't fancy wearing a regular bra.” - Valeza Bakolli, Junior Shopping Editor
6. Best longline sports bra for running
Looking for a high-impact longline sports bra? This is it. "I tested this longline bra over a ten-mile long run and two shorter runs, and I was incredibly impressed. It's comfortable, breathable, and offers just the right amount of support thanks to the thick adjustable straps with a racerback cut. I also rated the fact that the straps didn't move, staying in place thanks to the responsive elastic which moves with your body. This bra is also particularly good for running as it has reflective elements, so it works to keep you safe too." - Ally Head, Senior Health Editor
7. Best eco-conscious longline sports bra
“Okay, so this is technically a top, but the hidden built-in support shelf means it can be worn bra-free if you prefer. It's one of the most comfortable longline styles I’ve tried, and I love this bright colourway. With a flattering scoop-neck design, long shape for increased coverage and super soft material, it’s my go-to for Yoga and Pilates. Do note, though, that this isn’t the most sweat-wicking material, it’s definitely better suited to low-impact workouts than, say, running or HIIT.” - Valeza Bakolli, Junior Shopping Editor
8. Best printed longline sports bra
"This option from Sweaty Betty is probably on the shorter side of things for a longline sports bra, but it still feels like it offers plenty of coverage thanks to the wide underbust band and relatively high neckline. Wearing this sports bra, I felt very supported, but - crucially - could still move and stretch easily thanks to the four-way stretch. The material is lightweight, breathable, sweat-wicking, and the thicker straps offer ample support for all different types of exercise. I’m a fan.” - Valeza Bakolli, Junior Shopping Editor
9. Most stylish longline sports bra
“I have practically lived in this Vuori tank since I got it. It's labelled as a tank top, but it has a built-in support shelf and padded cups, so you don't need another bra underneath. The double strap design is so chic, but it's also moisture-wicking and breathable for a comfortable workout. Even during the colder months, I get seriously hot during workouts and hate being in countless layers or a long sleeved top, which this tank solves. It fits perfectly true to size and provides enough support for me in the gym or for a Pilates class, but because it doesn't have adjustable straps, I probably wouldn't wear it for a run.” - Amelia Yeomans, Junior Shopping Editor
This article was first published in May 2024 and has since been updated to include more longline sports bras that we've been testing, updated prices, and more product specifications.
What is the benefit of a longline sports bra?
According to Paola, there are a number of benefits of wearing a longline sports bra over a shorter style, which she has outlined below...
- Improved Posture: The structure of a longline bra helps encourage better posture meaning it's perfect for Barre and Pilates. It has more support on the back and shoulders reducing the likelihood of any slouching.
- Enhanced Support: The extended band down the torso gives more support than a short bra, which is beneficial for women with bigger busts or who would like a bit more coverage around their middle.
- Smoothing Effect: The longer band can add support for the mid-section. As a result, it gives the waist a more streamlined effect.
- Increased Comfort: The distribution of more even support from the shoulders through to midway (or in some cases further down the torso) can reduce the pressure on the shoulders.
- Makes a fashion statement: The longline bra is versatile and can be worn beyond the gym or studio. They can be worn with skirts, shorts and jeans. There are so many super cute designs out there that can jazz up an outfit.
- Modesty: The long line bra is great for those that don’t like to expose too much of their body. The coverage is far superior to a short sports bra!
